On August 26, 2024, Stephen Dole Joslin passed away from pancreatic cancer at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, VT. He was born April 5, 1943, the eldest son of Riford Stephen and Elizabeth Dole Joslin. He was raised in Waitsfield, Vermont, and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1961 and the University of Vermont in 1965. He served in the United States Army in Neu Ulm, Germany, as Communications Sgt. in the 1st Battalion of the 36th Artillery from 1965 to 1967. Upon return home, he worked for Robert Harris as a carpenter before entering the insurance claims business in St Johnsbury, Vermont, working as an independent multi-line adjuster for the General Adjustment Bureau in 1969. While with GAB, he worked catastrophe duty on Hurricane Camille in Gulfport, Mississippi.
His years in St. Johnsbury were highlighted by his service in the Kiwanis Club where he served as the Swimming Pool and Auction Chairman and later as Club president. Life on Crow Hill was filled with special friends and interesting moments both approved and unapproved with David T Clark. In 1983 he moved to Williamstown, VT, and was employed by the Vermont Mutual Insurance Company as Claims Manager. He also served as president of the Vermont Claims Association.
Steve cherished his long association with Mad River Glen, having watched its construction with his father in the late 40s and then working on the mountain for nine winters and one summer starting in the eighth grade and continuing through college. He was a shareholder at MRG until passing his share to his daughter Cara, granddaughter of Mad River’s first manager, Howard Moody. Growing up in a small town surrounded by the Greatest Generation had a lasting influence on his life and values. Family and local history were important to him. He was an original member of The Valley polo team playing on the front lawn of the Alpen Inn with his Arabian/Quarter horse, Rex.
Steve cherished the summers he spent on Caribou Island at Parmachenee Lake relaxing and was proud of the improvements and reclamation work he was involved in. Historic Camp #10 on the East Branch of the Nulheghan River in Lewis, VT, was his retreat for over 47 years. His history of the camp was written to preserve the story of the building, people, and the surrounding wilderness.
For 49 consecutive years (first one was in 1970) Steve hosted a weekend of celebration, feasting and storytelling in preparation for attending the Tunbridge World’s Fair. The food, bonfires, misjudgments, and recoveries are the things of stories.
He was an accomplished horseman, cook, baker, leather carver, woodworker, family historian, storyteller and humorist who cherished his close friends who shared his values, interests and humor without judgment.
A special debt is owed to Regina who guided Steve on the path to happiness, self-awareness, and the gift of forgiving.
He is survived by his daughter, Cara Joslin Morris and her husband, Spencer Morris of New York City, his son Seth David Joslin and Seth’s mother, Jane Joslin of Williamstown, VT, his brother, David Joslin in Connecticut and his family, as well as extended family in Vermont, Alabama, Colorado, and California.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at Mad River Glen where you are invited to tell stories, laugh, cherish, and hug each other. (Details will be posted on Steve Joslin’s Facebook page.)
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a veterans organization of your preference. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
